Context

• India celebrated the 9th National Voters' Day on 25th January 2019 at more than 6 lakh locations covering around 10 lakh Polling Stations across the country.
• New Voters were felicitated and handed over their EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card) in the NVD function.

About

Highlights of the DAY

• National function was organized by Election Commission of India at Manekshaw Centre.
• In view of the upcoming Lok Sabha Election, ‘No Voter to be Left Behind’ has been selected as the theme.
• My Vote Matters, a Quarterly Magazine is being launched on the occasion and the first copy shall be presented by the Commission to the Hon’ble President.
• The National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices have been conferred to Officers for outstanding performance in the conduct of elections.
• In addition, awards were given to Civil Societies Organisations and Media Houses who have made outstanding contribution in the field of voter awareness and outreach.
• Chief Election Commissioners and senior officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Russia and Sri Lanka were present at the occasion.

About the Day

• The National Voters’ Day (NVD) is celebrated all over the country on January 25 every year since 2011 to mark the Foundation day of Election Commission of India (January 25, 1950).
• The main purpose of the NVD celebration is to encourage, facilitate and maximize the enrollment, especially for the new voters.
• Dedicated to the voters of the country, the Day is utilized to spread awareness among voters for promoting informed participation in the electoral process.

Right to Vote

• The Indian Constitution has granted the right to vote to all Indian citizens of sound mind above the age of 18, irrespective of an individual’s caste, religion, social or economic status. This right is universally granted to all Indians, with a few exceptions.
• No individual can be detained or prevented from voting, unless they fulfil the criteria for disqualification.
• Every voter is allowed one vote only. A voter can vote at the constituency where he has registered himself only.
• Eligible voters have to register themselves in the constituency where they live, upon which they will be issued photo election identity cards (also known as EPIC cards).
• Individuals are not permitted to participate in the electoral process if they have not registered or do not possess a voter ID card.
• All voters have the right to know about the candidates who are contesting for the elections.This right has been granted to voters under Section 19 of the Indian Constitution.
• This Section empowers voters to seek information pertaining to the election manifesto of the candidates, their total financial worth as also their criminal record, if any.